POLICE have issued CCTV images of two people they want to talk to, after two elderly women had their purses stolen from their handbags whilst shopping.

The two women had been shopping in the Co-op store in Leyburn Market Place in North Yorkshire when a man put his hand into the victim’s handbags and removed their purses.

The theft happened between 11.30m and 12pm on Wednesday, March 21.

The man seen on CCTV was with a woman at the time.

Officers would like to speak to the two people pictured on CCTV in the shop as they may have information that could assist the investigation

Anyone who recognises them is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference 12180048212, or email; asa.donovan@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Meanwhile, police have issued crime prevention advice to shoppers, urging them to be vigilant and keep handbags zipped so valuable items are not on display.

They have also advised people to keep mobile phones inside an internal pocket and to only withdraw as much money as needed at a time.